The Massacre of the Innocents
1511
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1511
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
The Massacre of the Innocents is a 1511 by Albrecht Altdorfer, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This woodcut shows a chaotic battle in front of a castle. Soldiers in armor swing swords, while a group of people—some on the ground, some running—scatter in fear. The sky is dramatic, with swirling clouds and rain pouring down. A tall tower looms behind the action, and a window with ornate carvings frames part of the scene. The artist packed a lot into small details: look at the tiny figures in the corner, almost hidden, or the way the soldiers’ armor is textured. This is a dark story, but the lines are sharp and precise. Next, check out chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create drama in art.
